calf

1
[ kaf, kahf ]
/ kæf, kɑf /

noun, plural calves [kavz, kahvz] /kævz, kɑvz/.

the young of the domestic cow or other bovine animal.
the young of certain other mammals, as the elephant, seal, and whale.
calfskin leather.
Informal. an awkward, silly boy or man.
a mass of ice detached from a glacier, iceberg, or floe.

Idioms for calf

    in calf, (of a cow or other animal having calves) pregnant.
    kill the fatted calf, to prepare an elaborate feast in welcome or celebration.

Origin of calf

1
before 900; Middle English; Old English cealf, calf; cognate with Old Saxon kalf, Old Norse kalfr, Old High German kalb

OTHER WORDS FROM calf

calf·less, adjective calf·like, adjective

Words nearby calf

calendula, calenture, calesa, calescent, calexico, calf, calf bone, calf diphtheria, calf love, calf roping, calf's tongue

British Dictionary definitions for kill the fatted calf (1 of 2)

calf 1
/ (kɑːf) /

noun plural calves

the young of cattle, esp domestic cattle Related adjective: vituline
the young of certain other mammals, such as the buffalo, elephant, giraffe, and whale
a large piece of floating ice detached from an iceberg, etc
kill the fatted calf to celebrate lavishly, esp as a welcome
another name for calfskin

Word Origin for calf

Old English cealf; related to Old Norse kālfr, Gothic kalbō, Old High German kalba

British Dictionary definitions for kill the fatted calf (2 of 2)

calf 2
/ (kɑːf) /

noun plural calves

the thick fleshy part of the back of the leg between the ankle and the knee Related adjective: sural

Word Origin for calf

C14: from Old Norse kalfi

Medical definitions for kill the fatted calf

calf
[ kăf ]

n. pl. calves (kăvz)

The fleshy, muscular back part of the human leg between the knee and ankle, formed chiefly by the bellies of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.

Idioms and Phrases with kill the fatted calf (1 of 2)

kill the fatted calf

Prepare for a joyful occasion or a warm welcome. For example, When Bill comes home from his trip to Korea we're going to kill the fatted calf. This expression alludes to the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32), whose father welcomed him by serving the choicest calf after his return. [Early 1600s]

Idioms and Phrases with kill the fatted calf (2 of 2)

calf

see kill the fatted calf; puppy (calf) love.